Blitz on firework trading

GARDAI and Customs officers are to launch a major crackdown in the run up to Halloween in an attempt to curb the usual large-scale smuggling of fireworks across the Border from the North to the Republic.

GARDAI and Customs officers are to launch a major crackdown in the run up to Halloween in an attempt to curb the usual large-scale smuggling of fireworks across the Border from the North to the Republic.

Vehicles will be searched and all unlicensed fireworks that are found by officers will be seized, according to a senior garda spokesman, who issued the warning yesterday.

Prosecutions, and heavy fines will apply in relation to all seizures, according to the spokesman.

It is claimed that, every year, thousands of euros worth of illicit fireworks are smuggled into the Republic -- with many subsequently sold to children.

Bangers and rockets are sold "under the counter" at shops in several towns before the Halloween celebrations.

Gardai say some of the fireworks produced in China are very dangerous, and can explode prematurely, causing severe injury to youngsters.